[p. 439] fruit grower and dairyman, residing in Shenango Township on his valuable farm of eighty-six acres, was born June 2, 1865, in Wayne Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Peter and Corinda (Craven) Tillia.
Peter Tillia was born in France and he came to America at the age of twenty-two years in company with three of his brothers. In his native land he had attended excellent schools and there he also learned the trade of stonecutter. He followed this trade in the vicinity of Pittsburg after coming to the United States, and later, at Wampum, in Lawrence County, for a few years, and then leased an ore bank for a time and still later bought a farm, and continued both industries up to his death. He had as many as 125 men working for him at one time, in the iron ore industry, and did an immense amount of business. He was a stanch Republican, but accepted no office but that of school director. He was reared in the Roman Catholic faith.
William G. Tillia was mainly reared at Chewton and then learned the stone-mason trade, which he followed for a few years, after which he engaged in farming for his father. In the spring of 1894 he purchased his present farm, located on it and erected both the house and barn. He devotes one and one-half acres to small fruits and for many years he has carried on a profitable dairy business, keeping about fifteen head of cattle and selling milk in New Castle. In politics he is a Republican and he is now serving his fifth year as a member of the School Board.
Mr. Tillia married Miss Mary Newton, who is a daughter of Philip Newton, of Wayne Township, and they have had four children: Harry E., residing in Funkley, Minnesota; Sadie, wife of Ephraim Wilson, residing in Wayne Township, and John Wilson and Everett, both at home. The family belong to the Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church. Mr. Tillia is a member of Glen Park Lodge, No. 1016, Odd Fellows, of Ellwood. He is a highly respected, useful citizen.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
Previous Biography | Table of Contents | Next Biography
Explanation/Caution | Lawrence Co. Maps | Lawrence Co. Histories
Updated: 22 Oct 2001